These apples reminded me of the bible verse “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)

And while these aren’t golden apples, and there is no silver in Oak Creek Canyon, I was reminded that words have the power to heal or to harm a person.

Here is what I heard the Father say to me….

My Child~

Words are powerful. They can heal and encourage a person or they can break their spirit. (Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 12:18) You know that don’t you? I bet right now you can bring to mind those who have cut you through, and those who have encouraged you….all by the words that they spoke.

May I suggest that you always speak kindly to others? The right word spoken at the right time can be a huge blessing to someone. (Proverbs 25:11)

You have no idea what another person might be going through in their life. Even if they are rude, mean, spiteful, hostile or spewing garbage in your face, respond with love and kindness. A kind and gentle word from you can quiet their spirit. (Proverbs 15:1) And when you bring peace to others you are demonstrating that you are My Child. (Matthew 5:9)

Choose to speak kind and encouraging words to someone today. (Ephesians 4:29) It will make their day, and yours too!

You want to help others with the same problem, but you aren’t in a position to do so. Your motives and desires are noble and good. I am aware of them. (Psalm 139:1-2) I am aware of the whole situation. All that is happening is proceeding according to My plan. (Proverbs 19:21)

Let me remind you of the time you were snorkeling recently. It was the last snorkel adventure of your trip. You were leaving later that day to go home. You were praying to see a sea turtle. You had already seen many sea turtles that vacation. I wanted to send something your way that you would never forget. Something big, something out of the ordinary, something extra special, something rarely seen. So, I sent a Manta Ray to you instead.

Manta Rays are the largest ray that there is, averaging 22 feet wide and weighing up to 3000 pounds. They are harmless to humans, so even though you were startled to see one, I made sure to send something that could not harm you. You were asking to see a common sea turtle, I sent something much better, much larger and something that is not often seen by a snorkeler. They are rarely viewed or studied at all since there are few aquariums large enough to hold them.

I heard your earnest prayer for the sea turtle, and I wanted to answer and surprise you with something beyond your imagination. Admit it; it never entered your mind that you would see a Manta Ray did it?

I hear all your prayers. Even the ones you’ve been praying about for a very long time, and are way more important to you than spotting a sea turtle. And I am working out the answers to your prayers. It may take awhile sometimes and that is because some trials are really times of refinement for you. (Psalm 66:10) Trials also provide an opportunity for Me to humble you and teach you to rely on Me. (Deuteronomy 8:2-3)

Take heart, even when you think nothing is happening, I am always at work. I want you to know that I hear the prayers of all My Children, and I am involved in their lives too.

In My time, and in My way the answers will come.

Don’t be surprised if the answer is something that never even entered your mind. It will exceed your expectations and happen as suddenly as that Manta Ray appeared out of the depths of the deep blue sea. Just wait (as patiently and expectantly as you can) and you will see. (Psalm 40:1-5)

Like this:

You witnessed the horrible, premeditated bombings at the Boston Marathon recently…..that is hate in action. You saw people rush forward to help the injured, in spite of the danger they might encounter….this is love in action.

Hate destroys. Love helps and heals.

Those who hate have not been able to receive love….love from others or from Me. They are not whole, healthy people for you cannot be whole and healthy without love.

Love builds up, supports and if needed, heals the recipient. The recipient in turn shares that love with others for it is impossible to keep love to oneself. Unfortunately, it is also impossible to keep hate to oneself. (Luke 6:43-45)

It grieves Me to see My Children consumed by hate. It grieves Me to see their hate hurt others.

If you or your loved ones have been hurt by hate, either by these bombings or other acts of hate, then come to Me and allow My Love to heal your wounds. (Psalm 147:3)

If you are whole, healthy and have love to share, then share it. By loving others you can help them and heal them. And maybe, just maybe, you will be the one person who will be instrumental in preventing further acts of violence.

While pondering what God thinks of our blunders, I heard the song En La Cruz. The words of the song spoke to me. “Senor conoces mi corazon. Aun cuando te fallo, se que me amas.” (Lord, you know my heart. Even when I fail you, I know you love me.) Here is the English version of the song. I hope you enjoy listening to the song and reading the devotion.

My Child~

I see what’s in your heart and I know all about you. (Psalm 139:1) I know that your intentions were good and you tried to do what was right, but it didn’t quite turn out the best. I understand and I love you even when you mess up. Please don’t dwell on those mistakes. I know you were caught off-guard by the circumstances. Come to Me and let Me help you learn from the situation so you can move forward. Lean into Me the next time you find yourself in an awkward place and I will hold you close and guide you. (Psalm 139:7-10)

I already paid for your mistakes. I “tore the veil.” (Matthew 27:45-54) I made a way and now nothing can separate you from My love. Nothing. (Romans 8:38-39) Even when your intentions are not the best, and you deliberately choose to walk away from My ways, I am seeking after you. (Luke 15)

Let’s move forward and leave the blunders behind. And while we are at it, let’s leave other’s blunders behind too. (Proverbs 17:9)

Like this:

My Child, sometimes unexpected things will occur in your life. It may be as small as a friend cancelling on a dinner date or as large as a relationship ending, job loss, unplanned pregnancy, unexpected relocation or health crisis. Know that I am aware of the unexpected events in your life and that I have allowed them for a purpose.

Your response is to trust Me and submit to My plan, even when it is difficult to understand or endure. I can see the whole picture. You see only a part.

Sometimes what you are doing and pouring your energies into are good for a certain time in your life, but they are not what I want you to focus on now. So, occasionally I will use these unexpected events to change your focus and direction. Keep your eyes on Me, not on where you were or what you were doing. If you are looking backwards at what you had, it will be difficult to move forward with Me.

Consider Mary. All of her plans changed the day an angel appeared to her announcing that she had been chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. She willingly accepted to be My servant and never looked back at her own plans for her life. All of humanity has been blessed because of her obedience.

Now, consider Joseph. He listened to My messenger and chose to do what would benefit Mary. Likewise, you should consider what others may be experiencing during the unexpected events and act towards them in ways that will assist and serve them. Reach out to others instead of only being inwardly focused during the unsettled times.

During these difficult times I will show Myself to you to encourage and instruct you. I may show up in a dream, in the words of a friend, through My word the Bible, or in the still small voice inside of you. Listen to My voice and follow Me. Your path will be easier and My perfect plan for your life will unfold and be fulfilled.

I love you more than you could imagine and I know when your life takes an unexpected turn. While these events may not be what you desire or planned for, they are in My plan for your life. Just as in Mary and Joseph’s life, the unexpected events will work together for good. Trust me. You’ll see.